Percentage of upolarized light

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the percentage of unpolarized light transmitted through a polarizer-analyzer setup at a 30-degree angle. The relevant equations include I = 1/2 Io for the first polarizer and I = Io cos²(theta) for the second polarizer. The final answer for the transmitted intensity is determined to be 37.5%. The user seeks guidance on applying these equations to arrive at the correct solution.

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  • Understanding of polarized light and its properties
  • Familiarity with the equations for intensity of light
  • Knowledge of trigonometric functions, specifically cosine
  • Basic principles of optics, particularly polarizers
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Homework Statement


Unpolarized light is passed through a polarizer-analyzer combination. The transmission of the polarizer and the analyzer are at 30 degrees to each other. What percentage of the unpolarized light gets through the combination?


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


I am at a loss at to what to do. The only two equation I can think of, or find, that related to polarized light are the intensity equations: I = 1/2Io and I = Iocos^2(theta).

The answer according to my review packet is 37.5 degrees... I just don't know how to begin in order to get that answer. Will someone give me a few hints? Please?
 
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Let's start with the 1st polarizer. If Io is the initial intensity, what is the intensity after the 1st polarizer?
 

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